July 4, 2019 630 PM
EL PASO — Traffic was slightly delayed for about 30 minutes on Tuesday, July 2, at The Presidio/Ojinaga International Bridge.
“The bridge was not closed,” Roger Maier, Public Affairs Specialist for U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Public Affairs, wrote in an email.
He said CBP officers were conducting a periodic Mobile Field Force training exercise as they have been doing for several months.
“These exercises are meant to train officers on CBP’s special response tactics so they are fully prepared in the event there is an incident that requires response and action,” said El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha. “Our priority continues to be the safety and security of the American people, international travelers, and our communities.”
The highly visible MFF exercises will generally last 15 minutes or less and have a limited impact on legitimate trade and travel. As the men and women of CBP conduct these drills, it is important for the traveling public to be aware of these operations and understand that they will be done quickly.
“Travelers in the area can expect to see these from time to time,” said Maier.
CBP is continually assessing the capabilities of our facilities and has been making — and will continue to make — necessary preparations. Preparations include participating in operational readiness exercises and the mobilization of resources, as needed, to ensure the facilitation of lawful trade and travel.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.
